My Life in the Fish Tank

June 15, 2020
When her older brother develops bipolar disorder, a seventh grader must cope with its effect on her family. When Zinnia's parents get the call that her older brother, Gabriel, has been in a car accident, time, like Gabriel's new diagnosis of bipolar disorder, seems to take on a life of its own. Chapter headings that mix vague and specific days and times reinforce this notion. Likewise, flashbacks to odd and even scary events with her brother help Zinny see that Gabriel's condition was not a sudden onset. Although the story focuses on how Zinny deals with this conflict on a personal level, such as retreating from friends, it also explores the effects of mental illness on Zinny's entire family (who seem to be white). While Gabriel recovers in a treatment center, Zinny's narration reveals that her mom wants to keep everything secret, her dad's working longer hours, her older sister feels guilty, and, with attention elsewhere, her younger brother is neglected. There's no single savior who helps Zinny but instead a string of people and events that work together: a lunchtime therapy group at school (both group and student body are diverse), a school counselor who notes the harm of "crazy" language, scientific experiments that reframe her thinking, forming new friendships and salvaging old ones, and finding humor where she can. The last brings levity to this tough topic. A carefully crafted blend of realism, age-appropriate sensibilities, and children's interests. (Fiction. 9-13)

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July 1, 2020

Gr 4-6-Dee offers a novel that depicts a family impacted by mental illness. Twelve year-old Zinny's life is dramatically changed by her oldest brother Gabriel's hospitalization and treatment for bipolar disorder. Mom and Dad seem to spend most of their days visiting him and fighting with insurance companies. Not only are Zinny's parents absent, leaving her and two other siblings to fend for themselves, but she is expected to keep Gabriel's diagnosis and situation private. With the help of her science teacher Ms. Molina, a guidance counselor who invites her to a lunch club for others with family challenges, and a family therapist, Zinny finally begins to open up. This book raises awareness of bipolar disorder and how it can affect a family dynamic. Zinny describes memories of Gabriel's manic behavior, and it is later implied that Gabriel crashed his roommate's car as an act of self-harm. However, this book does not attempt to understand what happens in Gabriel's mind. It does not explore Gabriel's feelings about what he and/or his family are experiencing. It could have been more valuable if the narration had shifted points of view between characters and included Gabriel's, or even centered Gabriel's perspective. VERDICT This book has value in describing the impact that a family member's mental illness can have on their loved ones. For larger collections and fans of Tae Keller's The Science of Breakable Things and Cindy Baldwin's Where the Watermelons Grow.-Rebecca Fitzgerald, Harrison P.L., NY

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September 1, 2020
Grades 5-8 Everything in 12-year-old Zinnia's life was great?until it wasn't. Now that her brother is receiving treatment following a car crash precipitated by what his family now knows is his bipolar disorder, it seems everything is about Gabriel. Zinny is sick of it and just wants things to go back to the way they were before, but she must first learn to address what's going on in her own head. Dee (Maybe He Just Likes You, 2019) writes endearing characters that are varied and flawed, allowing readers to easily identify with one or multiple characters. Instilled with humor, the plot offers a layered narrative with occasional verse, perfect for readers looking for something a little extra special. Realistic and sympathetic, this demonstrates a successful, meaningful, and responsible discussion around mental health for all ages. Meanwhile, readers will delight in Zinny's interest in science and in the secondary plotline involving a crayfish named Clawed. Fans of A Mango-Shaped Space (2003) will devour and adore this novel.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)

October 19, 2020
Twelve-year-old Zinny Manning loves her three siblings’ loud banter, especially from her usually affable older brother, Gabe. But Gabe’s recent rebellious behavior has Zinny baffled and even frightened. When he is in a car accident, her parents reveal that he has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and suggest that the family keep it a secret while Gabe receives treatment in a mental facility. Almost overnight, Zinny’s once close-knit family grows distant and quiet, leaving her uncertain about what to tell her friends. With the help of an empathic teacher and a lunchtime group meant for kids struggling with similar challenges, Zinny grapples with her feelings about her brother and the societal stigmas attached to bipolar disorder. With emotional detail, Dee (Halfway Normal) captures Zinny’s turmoil, particularly through flashbacks of affectionate interactions with her brother and current school scenes that reveal Zinny’s anger and uncertainty. Though Dee’s message—that mental illness need not be stigmatized—comes through clearly, the story manages to avoid feeling didactic through lunchtime conversations that are particularly relatable. With sensitivity and skillful storytelling, Dee portrays a difficult subject in an engrossing, accessible way. Ages 9–13. Agent: Jill Grinberg, Jill Grinberg Literary Management.